Chapter 197

LUCAS POV

I steered the car towards Grandma Jo's house, my grip on the wheel tight with frustration and anger.

The entire journey was consumed by the relentless question of why my father was once again pursuing me.

What did he want this time? I had made it abundantly clear that I had no interest in him or the family business. The persistent pursuit felt like an invasion, a violation of the boundaries I had tried so hard to establish.

The gravel crunched beneath the tires as I jerked the car to a stop in Grandma Jo's driveway, my heart pounding with a mix of defiance and anxiety.

The arrival of the ominous black SUV behind me intensified the already tense atmosphere, casting shadows over the familiar surroundings.

As I stepped out of the car, ready to confront my father, a sudden force clamped down on my arm.

A huge bodyguard appeared, his grip unyielding, and before I could react, another joined the effort, securing my other side.

"Let go of me! What the hell is happening?" I shouted, struggling against their strong hold, my frustration boiling over.

Silence hung in the air as they wordlessly dragged me towards the back of the SUV, each step intensifying my uncertainty.

The open door revealed my father, Kendrick, who was seated inside.

His eyes fixed on me with an intensity that hinted at the gravity of the impending conversation.

With a swift, forceful motion, the bodyguards propelled me into the back of the SUV, leaving me disoriented and seething with anger.

I cursed under my breath, attempting to regain my composure as the vehicle started moving. Panic began to course through me as I realized there was no easy escape.

As I settled into a sitting position, I shot a disdainful look at my father who observed my every move with a calm demeanor that masked the underlying tension.

I hated his look of effortless cool and collectedness.

The realization that this encounter held weighty implications gnawed at my nerves, and I braced myself for whatever revelation my father deemed urgent enough for this dramatic intervention.

"What the hell is this, Dad?" I demanded, my frustration evident in my voice. "This is a bit extreme, don't you think? Kidnapping me?"

My father's face didn't show any hint of emotion. "I'm not kidnapping you."

"Uh, you had me followed and had two men throw me into your waiting vehicle. I have no idea where we're going now. I think that would be classified as kidnapping."

"Don't get smart with me," my father said, remaining stoic.

His expression unreadable as he motioned for the bodyguards to release their grip on me. As I straightened up, I shot him a look of intense hatred.

"Why the dramatic entrance? And where are we going?" I questioned, the unfamiliar surroundings heightening my sense of unease. "Where are you taking me?"

My father's eyes bore into mine, the weight of unspoken truths lingering between us. "We need to talk, Lucas. And here, away from prying eyes, is the only place we can."

His words left me uneasy, a knot of apprehension tightening in my gut. "Talk about what? I think I've made my desires and intentions very clear already."

"That's not what this is about," my father said calmly. "Would you relax? I'm not going to do anything to hurt you."

Hearing that promise come from my father's lips made me hesitate. I contemplated making a run for it, but with the bodyguards flanking me, it made the prospect seem impossible.

My father could easy capture me again.

"What could possibly be so urgent that it requires this insane act?" I retorted, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "You could've been civilized and contacted me through the phone.

"You never answer my calls or texts, anyway. Why would I bother with such simple avenues when I could get you in front of me with a bit of force and manpower."

I eyed the two bodyguards with an irritated huff of my breath. My father had a point there. After he paid off Shana's debt, I had blocked him from my phone. Any way that he could contact me was cut off.

This was, unfortunately, the only other option.

I tried to think of why he would need to speak to me so urgently, and a thought came to mind.

"Does this have anything to do with Shana and her father?" I questioned aloud. "He just passed away, you know?"

"I know," my father said with a nod.

"Is it because I've been using some of your contacts to help her? Seriously, dad? What was I supposed to do? Just let her fend for herself when her entire life is falling apart?"

"Contacts?" My father raised an eyebrow as if he didn't know what I was talking about.

"I contacted your lawyer, Gregory, and a few other people to help her sort everything out." From the unbothered expression on his face, I had a feeling this had nothing to do with that. "So, you're not mad about that?"

"Lucas, I could care less about what you do in your spare time, unless of course, it affects me. You're using your resources and being smart about it. That's exactly what I taught you to do."

I chewed the inside of my lip, wanting to snap at him. "If it's not about Shana, then what the hell is going on?"

At the mention of Shana's name, I saw an emotion flicker in my father's eyes.

"Are you going to force me to break up with her again? Because I'm not doing that. She needs me now more than ever."

"Oh, believe me. I know that, son."

The coolness to his tone caused a chill to run down my spine. Why did he say it like that?

"You do?" I questioned, looking from my father to the bodyguards. This conversation was getting weirder and weirder by the second.

Had my father finally realized that I was going to be with Shana, no matter what he said?

"I don't think I understand what's going on..." I trailed off, my brain left in a puddle of questions.

"Fine, I'll explain it to you," my father said, his gaze flickering out the window briefly before returning to me with an intensity that made my skin prickle.

Finally, I thought to myself. I'm about to get some answers.

"Now promise me you won't freak out," he said.

My mouth fell open in shock. What?

"How can I promise that if I have no idea what you're going to say?" I asked.

"Just promise," my father ordered.

"Okay," I said, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. "I won't freak out."

My father took a deep breathe before saying, "It's about Shana. About who she truly is."

The mention of Shana ignited a surge of protectiveness within me. "What do you mean?" I demanded, my voice a low growl.

"Now, Lucas." My father said, eyeing me carefully. "You told me you would remain calm."

"I am calm," I tried to say it in a way that didn't show my true emotion, but the anger bubbled through.

My father hesitated, his gaze searching mine. "I know she's not wolfless, Lucas. I know she's the White Wolf."